How to Unclog Stopped-Up Ears: Identifying and Treating Outer, Middle, and Inner Ear Issues

Having a stopped-up ear can be a miserable experience, disrupting your daily activities and causing discomfort. In some cases, it could be a symptom of a more serious issue such as an ear infection. This article will guide you through the process of unclogging your ears and managing the associated symptoms.

Method 1: How to Unclog the Outer Ear

When dealing with outer ear issues, it is crucial to first rule out the possibility of an infection. Follow these steps to address a stopped-up outer ear:

Step 1: Check for Signs of Infection

If you have symptoms such as persistent and severe pain, itchiness, or colored drainage from your ear, you may have an ear infection. In these cases, it is important to seek medical advice immediately.

Step 2: Mix a Wax-Softening Solution

Obtain a pre-made ear wax softening solution from a drugstore or make one yourself using available ingredients. Ensure the solution is lukewarm to avoid causing dizziness or vertigo.

Step 3: Lie Down on Your Side

Use gravity to help your ear drain by lying on your side. Place a towel underneath your head to catch any excess solution. If you are unable to lie down, tilt your head to the side as much as possible.

Step 4: Straighten Your Ear Canal

Pull your earlobe outward to straighten your ear canal, ensuring it is perpendicular to your neck.

Step 5: Pour the Solution into Your Ear

Place 5-6 drops of the solution into your ear using an eye dropper or rubber bulb syringe. Use the dropper or syringe above your ear canal, not inside it.

Step 6: Remain Lying Down for 10-15 Minutes

This allows the solution to break up the wax and soften the earwax. If you used peroxide, a bubbling sound in your ear is normal; wait until the bubbling stops.

Step 7: Drain Your Ear

Position an empty bowl under your ear and turn your head to allow the earwax to drain. Straighten your ear canal to ensure complete drainage.

Step 8: Irrigate Again If Necessitated

If you still feel blocked, repeat the process. After three attempts, if you remain blocked, contact a medical professional.

Step 9: Dry Your Ear

Gently dry your outer ear to remove any remaining excess solution or wax. Methods include using a hairdryer on a cool setting or a cotton swab (avoid using cotton swabs as they can push wax further into the ear).

Step 10: Seek Medical Assistance

If the earwax is severely impacted or if you experience pain during the process, seek assistance from a medical professional. A general practitioner can offer ear drops or an ENT specialist can manually remove earwax using specialized tools.

Method 2: How to Unclog Your Middle Ear

A blocked middle ear can often be the result of pressure differentials. Here are some steps to prevent and relieve this issue:

Step 1: Practice Preventative Measures

Engage in activities like chewing gum, yawning, or sucking on candy during a descent; encourage small children to nurse or drink; avoid flying if you have a cold or infection. For scuba diving, descend and ascend slowly to allow your ears to adjust to changes in pressure.

Step 2: Equalize the Pressure in Your Ears

Promote the equalization of pressure between your middle and outer ears by performing the Eustachian tube technique: chew gum, yawn, suck on candy, or hold your nose, mouth closed, and blow gently (Valsalva maneuver).

Step 3: Treat an Existing Cold or Allergies

Since the Eustachian tubes connect your ear to the back of your throat, treat any cold or allergies that may cause inflammation by taking decongestants or antihistamines, resting, and facilitating quicker recovery.

Step 4: Apply a Warm Compress

To alleviate pain, apply a warm washcloth or a heating pad over your ear. Place a towel beneath the pad to avoid burns. Do not use an electric heating pad while sleeping.

Step 5: Seek Medical Help if Symptoms Persist

Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience severe pain, discharge, bleeding, or fever. Persistent symptoms may indicate a serious condition that requires treatment.

Method 3: How to Treat an Inner Ear Clog

Addressing inner ear clogs, which are often accompanied by inflammation or infection, can be more challenging. Here's what you need to know:

Step 1: Recognize the Symptoms

Identify common signs of inner ear issues such as earache, dizziness, balance issues, nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Step 2: Consult a Healthcare Professional

Visit a doctor for a diagnosis. They may use a torch light to examine your ear. If an infection is present, they will prescribe antibiotics or antiviral ear drops, along with over-the-counter pain medication and steroids to reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing nausea, they may also prescribe anti-nausea medication.

Step 3: Follow Prescription Directions

Use the medications as directed to resolve the infection and manage symptoms. Proper treatment should take about two weeks.